Lorna McClymont on brink of Women's Amateur glory - spot in AIG Women's Open also up for grabs

Milngavie’s Lorna McClymont admitted it was “pretty cool” to be in Saturday’s final of the 121st R&A Women’s Amateur Championship at Portmarnock.

In just the event’s second staging at the Dublin venue, the Scottish Women’s champion will face American Melanie Green in the 36-hole title decider.

In addition to picking up one of the game’s most-coveted prizes, the winner will also secure spots in two majors over the coming weeks - the Amundi Evian Championship in France and the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews.

Milngavie's Lorna McClymont of Scotland hits an approach shot during the semi-finals in the 121st Women's Amateur Championship at Portmarnock. Picture: Oisin Keniry/R&A/R&A via Getty Images.

“I can't believe it - it’s pretty cool,” declared McClymont after booking her spot in the final with two impressive victories, having thumped French player Ines Archer 7&6 in the quarter-finals then adding a 4&3 win over Swede Louise Rydqvist.

Two years ago, Rydqvist reached the final at Hunstanton and, at 32nd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, sits much higher than 131st-ranked.

“Yeah, absolutely,” said McClymont of her semi-final opponent being a gutsy competitor. “I knew she would be quite a strong player like all the rest of them.

“But I was just kind of staying patient really. And having high acceptance when something doesn't end up well but also staying in the moment and enjoying it is the most important thing.”

McClymont, who won both the Irish and Welsh Women’s Open last year, is bidding to land a second Scottish success in the event in just four years after Lousie Duncan’s title triumph at Kilmarnock (Barassie) in 2021.

Prior to that, the previous tartan win had been delivered by Alison Rose at Cruden Bay in 1997, four years after Catriona Matthew was crowned as champion at Royal Lytham.

“Obviously there's a bit more to do, but it's just kind of having the same kind of mindset as today and the last few days,” said Stirling University scholar McClymont, who has her mum Gail caddying for her.

As for those added incentives, which also include a spot in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, she is determined to try and block them out.

“Just focusing on what I can control and hit some good shots and good decisions. Just enjoying it and not thinking too much about the outcome,” insisted the level-headed Scot.

Green, the world No 53, is bidding to become the first American to land the title since Kelli Kuehne at Royal Liverpool in 1996.